Rail bender



Jan. 23, 1945. D A, BENNER RAIL BENDER Filed May 17, 1943 2 SheetsSheet 1 23, 1945. Q A. BENNER RAIL BENDER Filed May 17, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 23, 1945 UNITED STATES y*PATENT OFFICE RAIL BENDERv Dale A; Benner, Alton; Ill. Application May 17, 1943 serial. No.. 481,304.

(Cl. 153-38) y p y I v use the oscillating ratchet. nut operating. mecha- 2 Claims.

This invention relates to raili benders. of the type used forr bending or straightening railway rails and other elongatedmetallic articlesl in conformity with` the desired curvature of. the track. to be providedby the rails, or the desired curvatureY of the other articles.

Objects of the invention are to provide an improved portable metallic frame composed of a minimum amount of' materiall and ofi minimum weight, and. having its parts and. structural elements in novel cooperative assembly and formation in order to resist and'. withstand, without deformation, the severe'. andi sometimes excessive pressures, strainsv and. stresses to: which it is subjected when in use; to provide an elongated tubular socket integralwitlr. and'. in the frame midway between its endsv for receiving; the outer end1 portion of the threaded shaft; which. is operative to apply pressure against; the rail or-other article midway between the endsl of'. the framei in. order to bend said rail or article; and to embody intheV frame novel means for optionally and interchangeably supporting diierent types ofv mechanism for operating and moving the shaft longitudinally to apply pressure againstand'bend' the rail or other article engaged with said frame..

Another object of thet invention is to provide an improved portable metallic railI bender frame composed of a minimum amount of material and possessing maximum strength, andzmeans inand forming anintegral part. of said frame for optionally and interchangeably; supportingA different types of operating mechanism for the serevvthreaded bender shaft andY for preventing deformation of the frame. j

This invention relates more specifically' tothat type of portable metallic rail bendersv disclosed in my prior Patents: No; 2,261,949, November: 1 1,1941', and No. 2,269,752, January I3, 1942. Theportable metallic frames disclosed byr saidr patents diii'er from each other in, indispensable featureszoff construction in order to cooperate with the types of shaft operating. mechanismdisclosed in said; respective patents. That is, said Patent No; 2,261,949 discloses an operating mechanism for the screwthreaded shaft, comprising a nut mounted: in the frame, andan oscillating ratchet mechanism pivotally supported about thenut forturn.- ing the nut on.v and aboutthe shaft' in order to move the shaft longitudinally during operation of said operating mechanism. The frame of. said Patent No. 2,261,949 differs substantially and; in indispensable features from; the frame disclosed in said PatentY No. 2,269.1,5752iuparticularsmaking it impracticable orimpossiblev to` interchangeor nismin both frames optionally. And Patent' No.

2,269,752- discloses ai frame, adapted for a nut of.

particular form and rotative to move the shaft longitudinally; and said' nut cannot be inter;

" changed and substituted for'the ratchet operated the'v excessive` pressures, strains andl stresses which they were subjectedvr when inv use. 5 j f.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention should bia-apparent from` the follow ing description, reference. being made to the an-A nexed drawings, in. which- Fig. 1y is aside elevation. showing my improved rail bender framehavi-ng aratchetshaft operatingmechanisnr mounted therein.-

Fig. 2,y is anA enlarged cross-sectional view on the linev 2--2 of Fig. 1-.' i

Fig. 3 is a similarly enlarged` sectional View on the line 33` of Fig.. 1.

Fig. 4 is-anelevation showing the opposite side ofE my improvedy rail bender frame fromy that of Fig. Land having a flanged nut. device therein for operating the bender shaft.

Fig, 5 is anenlarged sectionali View` oni the line 5-5 ofV Fig. 4. f w

Fig. 6 -is asimilarly enlarged sectionalview on the 1111816-6 Of Fig'. 4;

Fig. 7 isacross-sectional view onl the line 'lA-l ofFig. 1, lookingl in thedirection ofthe arrows.

They metallic frame: or my' improved portable railbender is a unitary'or'oneipiece-element having all of its parts and structural features integrally united-,. thus avoiding the use of' brazed or Welded connections or joints.. That is', the frame is` preferably composed. of a single casting, with the exception that thevhandle may, if desired, be attached tether-rame after theframe and handle have been separately formed..

As shown, the'.portablemetallic` frame is composedot an outerv angular or-bowedtension mem; ber l an. inner angular orzbowedv compression member 2,.and hooks 3- for-medi integral with the ends-of saidacompressiorr members and projecting therefrom in parallel relationship to engage the rail or article 4 thatistobe bent or straightened; two spacedv inwardly converging combined compression membersl andn tension arms 5 extending from 'integral connection with'V the tension mensy ber I to; integralv connection. with diametrically.

oppositeportons. of the periphery or' a combined abutment andi guard ring. 6; two spaced parallel conripressionV members T integrally connecting the inner compression member 2 with the respective converging arms 5 at points between and substantially spaced from both the outer tension member I and the ring 6; a tubular socket 8 integrally connecting the member I and the ring 6 and having open outer and inner ends; flanges 9 integra-l with diametrically opposite sides of the socket 8 and extending to integral connection with the member I and ring 6, respectively, about midway between the connection of the arms 5 with said member I and ring 6; and an additional compression member I integral with and projecting inwardly from the inner compression member 2 at each side Iof the central hole I I which is in alinement with the opening through the socket 8. These additional compression members I0 have their adjacent ends at diametrically opposite sides of the hole II and extend outwardly along the inner compression member 2 across the ends of the two parallel compression members 'I to offset webs I2 integrally connecting the outer end portions of the compression members 2 with the hooks 3.

The alined hooks 3 open at the same side of the frame which includes the parts arranged in the definite cooperative relationship above described and which I have found resist and withstand the severe and excessive pressures, strains and stresses to which the frame is subjected when the rail bender is in use, and prevent deformation of the frame. The compression members 2 converge inwardly and upwardly from integral connection with the lower portions of the bodies of the hooks 3. In my improved frame, the lower portions of the angular spaces between the compression members 2 and the bodies of the respective hooks 3 are closed by the said offset webs I 2 formed integral with said parts. Above and laterally offset from the webs I2 there are webs I3 extending along the inner surfaces of the tension member I, compression member 2, converging arms 5, parallel compression members 1, and hooks 3, within the spaces bordered by said parts. The webs I3 are about midway between the side edges of the tension member I and the compression member 2 and are offset laterally from the webs I2 toward the open side of the hooks 3. The adjacent edges of the webs I2 and I3 are integrally connected to provide maximum strength with a minimum of metal at these points. Openings I4 through the webs I3 reduce the amount of metal that would otherwise be required without substantiallv diminishing the strength of the novel frame structure,

The webs I 5 are formed integral with the inner or adjacent surfaces of the parallel compression members 'l and extend continuously from the inner compression member 2 to and along the inwardly converging arms 5 above and outwardly from the ring 6. Thus, an enlarged central opening I6 in the frame is formed between the inner gmpression member 2, the `ring 6, and the webs receive and contain the operating mechanism for the threaded bender shaft I1 which extends through the hole II in the compression member 2, across the central opening I8, and into the tubular socket 8 for longitudinal movements.

.l The triangular spaces defined by the tension f member I, the inwardly converging arms 5, and the tubular socket 8, are preferably filled by webs I8 formed integral with said parts and in the same plane with the webs I3 and I5.

This frame is provided with these parts ar- Said opening I6 is designed and adapted to,

ranged in the relationship shown and described and cooperating to provide a frame composed of a minimum amount of metal and possessing maximum strength, in order to permit interchange and substitution of the operating mechanism shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, for the operating mechanism shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, and vice versa.

The mechanism shown in Figs. l, 2 and 3 for moving the shaft I1 longitudinally in opposite directions comprises a ratchet nut I 9 screwed on the bender shaft II and, whenin position for use, is located in the central opening I6 with its inner end seated and rotative against the inner compression member 2. The two additional compression members IU Iextend almost to the central hole I I and are separated from the ratchet nut I9 only by the compression member 2 against which the said nut I9 directly bears. A ring 20 has a radial flange 2l extending inwardly from its inner end, which seats directly against the outer end of the nut I9 and encircles an outwardly extended tubular portion 22 of the nut. The wall of the opening through the nut I9 and the tubular extension 22 are formed with threads (Fig. 2) screwed on the threaded shaft I'I. A ring 23 having approximately the same internal diameter as the ring 20 abuts against the outer end of said ring 20 and has a radial outer end wall 24 abutting against the ring 6 and having a central openingreceiving the tubular portion 22 of the nut I9 and being thereby held from lateral displacement and disalinement.

A roller anti-friction bearing unit comprising duplicate race rings 25, an annular series of tapered rollers 26 located between and radially of the axis of said rings 25 and of the nut extension 22, and a retaining ring 21 encircling the rings 25 and the series of rollers 26, is mounted within the annular space formed around the tubular por tion 22 and enclosed by the rings 20 and 23, the ange 2| of the ring 20, and the end wall 24 of the ring 23. One of the race rings 25 seats against the flange 2I, and the other race ring 25 seats against the end wall 24 which bears against the combined abutment and guard ring 6. The ring 20 is directly attached to the ratchet nut I9 by a number of fastener pins 28 extending through holes in the flange 2| of said ring and engaging in holes in the outer end of said nut I9. leaving the ring 23-24 free to remain stationary or to rotate with the ring 20-2I when the nut I9 is rotated.

Thus, the nut I9 may be rotated by rotating the ring 2D which constitutes a handle or hand wheel for such purpose. And the nut I9 may be rotated by the ratchet mechanism shown, comprising a ring 29 encircling the ratchet nut I9 for oscillating movements about the axis of said nut and supporting a reversible ratchet 30 engageable with the peripheral teeth 3I to turn said nut forcibly in either direction. The ring 29 is formed with a socket 32 which is adapted to receive an end of an operating lever or bar for turning the operating mechanism in either direction to movel the shaft I5longitudinally in one direction or the other, as desired. The ring 29 and the reversible ratchet 30 are of the same construction and mode of operation as disclosed in my prior Patent No. 2,261,949. The ratchet ring 29 is prevented from longitudinal displacement along the nut I9 by the compresison member 2 and the ring 2II be tween which said ratchet ring is located when 'this mechanism is assembled in the frame.

In this mechanism, the anti-friction bearing unit consisting of'tlie'racel'ingsl, rollers 26,?i1'd retaining ring 2'1 are completely enclosed'by the rings 23 and 23. In this manner, itis practically impossible for dirt and other foreignr particles ,to enter and4 foul the anti-friction bearing. The inner end ofthe bender shaft I1 is provided with a rigid heady 33 for engagement against' the rail 34 or other article mounted on the hooks 3 for bending or distortion by operation of said shaft and holds the shaft from turning with the nut lil.

The operating mechanism shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 is optionally and interchangeably used in the improved frame herein disclosed. That is, the operating mechanism above specifically described and shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, or the operating mechanism shown in Figs. 4, and 6, may be used optionally and interchangeably in the same frame. .The interchangeable operating mechanism shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 comprises a nut 35 having its inner end arranged to bear land seat against the compression member 2 and having on its outer end a tubular extension 36. When the nut 35 is in position for use in the frame, the compression members III which extend almost to the hole Ill are separated from said nut only by the compression member 2 which constitutes a seat for said nut. The walls of the opening through the nut 35 and extension 3B are threaded. To assemble the device for use, the nut unit 35-36 having the bearing device connected therewith as shown are placed in the central opening I6, and the shaft I'l is extended through the hole H and screwed outwardly through the nut. The device may be disassembled by screwing the shaft l'l inwardly until it is disconnected from the nut. The other form of the device is similarly assembled and disassembled, the nut unit lil-22 with the bearing and ratchet devices being placed in the opening IS for attachment; to the shaft l'l. The outer end of the nut 35 is formed with an integral cylindrical wall 31 coaxial with the tubular extension 36 and cooperating therewith to form an annular space 38. An anti-friction roller bearing, precisely like and interchangeable with the anti-friction roller bearing already described and interchangeable therewith and having the same reference numerals applied to like parts, is mounted in the annular space 38. One of the bearing rings seats against the end wall of the nut 35 and the other ring 25 seats against the combined abutment and guard ring 6. The end of the cylindrical wall 31 is very close to or engages the ring 6 and functions to guard the antlfriction bearing and prevent practically al1 foreign substances from entering and fouling said bearing. The end of the tubular extension 36 is also close to or nearly against the ring 6, so that it .is impossible for any appreciable amount of foreign substances to enter the anti-friction bearing through the socket 8. The nut 35 is formed with a series of integral circumferentially spaced radial flanges 39, each of which has a hole 40 to receive and wholly support one end of an insertable and withdrawable operating lever for said nut. A handle 4| is formed integral with the outer tension member I at opposite sides of the socket 8.

From the foregoing, it is evident that my improved portable metallic frame is composed of a minimum amount Vof metal and is of minimum weight. The structural parts and elements of the frame are arranged in a novel cooperative relationship in order to resist and withstand the severe and sometimes excessive pressures, strains and stresses to which the device is subjected when in use,l without deformation.' Tne irme-rj-v com:- pression member 2 constitutes a-directabutment for the inner end lof theratchet'nut I 9 ofthe operating mechanism shown in Figs. 1', v2 and 3;

vand also for the innerend of the nut 35 of the operating mechanism shown in Figs. 4,' 5 and' 6L In both instances, the additional compression members: l0 ofthe unitary portable frame` sup'- port and" strengthen the central-portion of the compression member 2 and cooperate therewith and with the remaining elements of the frame to prevent distortion or deformation under the severe or excessive pressures, strains and stresses -which the device must resist. The frame of this different types of operating mechanisms for the i same rail bender shaft.

I claim:

1. In a portable rail bender, a one-piece metallic frame comprising spaced inner and outer members having hooks integrally connecting their outer ends, said inner member having a central hole midway between said hooks, a tubular socket integral with said outer member in alinement with said hole and separated from said inner member by a space, inwardly converging compression members integrally connecting said outer member withthe inner end of said socket, a pair of compression members integrally connecting said inner member and said converging compression members at opposite sides of said space and said hole, web elements extending along the sides of said arms and said compression members and integrally connecting said inner and outer members with each other and also integrallyconnecting all of said compression members with said inner and outer members, a threaded shaft extending through said hole and outwardly across lsaid space and into said socket, operating mechanism for said shaft mounted in said space between said tubular socket and said inner member, and two compression members integral with the inner side of said inner member extending longitudinally thereof toward said hooks and having their inner ends between and inwardly substantially beyond said pair of compression members and adjacent to opposite sides of said hole for cooperating with said inner member and pair of compression members to support said operating mechanism and prevent distortion of said frame, and an anti-friction thrust bearing between said mechanism and said socket and overlying substantial portions of the inner ends of said last named compression members.

2. In a portable rail bender, a metallic frame comprising spaced bowed inner and outer members having hooks integrally connecting their outer ends, said inner member having a central hole midway lbetween said hooks, a tubular socket integral with said outer member in alinement with said hole and having its inner end separated from said inner member by a space, an outwardly extended radial abutment integral with the inner end of said socket, a pair of compression members integrally connecting said inner and outer members at opposite sides of said hole and said socket and also having integral connection with said abutment, a threaded shaft extending through said hole and outwardly` across said space and into said socket, two compression members integral with the inner side of said inner 

